Has the 'Respected Member' tag had its day?

[Dan]

Surely every member is respected.

It sounds ever so cliquey.

I think in the current times when everybody should be totally equal, denoting who's 'respected' it a bit cheeky.

It used to be called "Elite Member" - Christ, imagine if we had that these days?!?!?!
On TilersForums.com it's now 'Trusted Advisor' but even then the advice changes and it's marking old now inaccurate posts as if the post should be trusted. And it can cause a bit of a shitstorm every now and again because some poor sod has tiled their bathroom the old way and their tiles are falling off.

I've put a poll up to get a feel for it. But it's not to say if either outcome is clear - that we will go for it.

It's up for discussion.

Please be professional with your replies. That said we wont be warning anybody for speaking out. This is my own thread and my chin can take it.

 

[Ian1981]

Why is it even a thing, respected member I mean?

What is the point of it?
Is it admins way of showing respect?

 

[westward10]

You on your hols Ian.
We used to have Trusted Adviser on here but we changed it.

 

[Dan]

I assume it was. I can't actually remember.

I think we wanted to show who's advice was to be more accurate than another. But over time it just got dished out to friends and whatnot.

We even had votes on members in tilersforums.com. Imagine getting the tag and then one day finding out several people voted against you getting it!

It's shocking really IMO.

 

[Spoon]

Not sure which way to vote for this. I can understand your point of view but it's sometimes useful for the newcomers to see who is 'respected'.
I thought that it only got given to people who earned it.

But over time it just got dished out to friends and whatnot.

Explains why I don't have it..... as I have no friends... or life....

I have a Forum Mentor? Should that be looks at as well, if the Respected Member is being looked at?

 

[Ian1981]

You on your hols Ian.
We used to have Trusted Adviser on here but we changed it.

Greece Westy.
I go on here during toilet breaks haha

 

[Dan]

Forum mentors help out the trainees - so that's sort of got a purpose.

I'm pretty sure advice these days is chosen as a whole and not just one person with the tag going around - perhaps even putting off newer guys from posting? Because they don't have the tag and somebody with it has already replied?

Not sure.

I'm not much for it personally. Whether earned or not.

 

[Dan]

Thread moved to a public forum.

 

[Spoon]

Forum mentors help out the trainees - so that's sort of got a purpose.

I'm pretty sure advice these days is chosen as a whole and not just one person with the tag going around - perhaps even putting off newer guys from posting? Because they don't have the tag and somebody with it has already replied?

Not sure.

I'm not much for it personally. Whether earned or not.

Is there any point in having any of the titles you see under someones name? Except for Admin & Moderator as they may be useful to people.

 

[Sintra]

It was discussed at a point amongst staff and was awarded to members that went out of their way to help others with accurate and constructive advise.

 

[Pete999]

Surely every member is respected.

It sounds ever so cliquey.

I think in the current times when everybody should be totally equal, denoting who's 'respected' it a bit cheeky.

It used to be called "Elite Member" - Christ, imagine if we had that these days?!?!?!
On TilersForums.com it's now 'Trusted Advisor' but even then the advice changes and it's marking old now inaccurate posts as if the post should be trusted. And it can cause a bit of a shitstorm every now and again because some poor sod has tiled their bathroom the old way and their tiles are falling off.

I've put a poll up to get a feel for it. But it's not to say if either outcome is clear - that we will go for it.

It's up for discussion.

Please be professional with your replies. That said we wont be warning anybody for speaking out. This is my own thread and my chin can take it.

 

[Dan]

Not really sure it does that these days. Does it?

If somebody has gone out of their way, there's surely a better name than 'respected'. It sounds ever so 1960's golf club lol

 

[MDJ]

The whole situation is getting out of hand, everyone just chill out and log off today, then come back tomorrow otherwise you will make rash decisions which you will regret, it is a forum not your life

 

[Dan]

*tips hat.

I think it's been brewing for ages.

It's the same few heads every year. I'd urge them click the button today.

 

[Dan]

I nearly gave the tongue-in-cheek options of:-

Yes, It's cliquey
No, because I have it

But thought it's too soon lol

 

[Pete999]

Not really sure it does that these days. Does it?

If somebody has gone out of their way, there's surely a better name than 'respected'. It sounds ever so 1960's golf club lol

The whole situation is getting out of hand, everyone just chill out and log off today, then come back tomorrow otherwise you will make rash decisions which you will regret, it is a forum not your life

Mot bedtime yet, and Meds not taken. far to early to log out, maybe in a couple of hours after me nap, and Massage, cus I'm an old git with no life.

 

[Sintra]

Not really sure it does that these days. Does it?

If somebody has gone out of their way, ther's surely a better name than 'respected'. It sounds ever so 1960's golf club lol

To be fair it was meant to show extra special respect from the staff. Looking at the name now it can be taken the wrong way lol

 

[Dan]

I don't think I'd register to a forum that gave more weight to one type of user over and above others.

Though I'm staff on a couple so perhaps I see it that way.

Imagine a mate of your mate on facebook somehow having more weight over your content just because you don't post as much on there. It just wouldn't wash.

Nobody from facebook values any post over another.

I think these days - people just share. We're used to it.

Back then we needed some way to encourage it. But now it encourages the opposite IMO.

Not sure.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Perhaps ask those who are 'respected members'?
Would you replace it with something else?
People like Richard Burns should really have something as they do stand out with their consistent professionalism and the amount of useful help they give.

 

[Lister1987]

How about "Qualified Electrician" or "In The Trade"

I know the term is loose in terms of what seems a person qualified but if the RMs have been in the trade then it wouldn't hurt to actually point they out, especially as they come here for advise; we point out Trainees afterall so why not actual sparkies?

 

[Spoon]

People like Richard Burns should really have something as they do stand out with their consistent professionalism....

What about my consistent professionalism....... Ok, I'll get my coat....

 

[Dan]

I don't think we owe anything to any one member. We can't do. I love those who contribute loads and help. But one day a few, as always, screw it up for the masses. And it backfires.

I think he gets respect automatically because his content is accurate. His peers already know he's respected. He doesnt need a badge. Surely.

 

[MDJ]

What about my consistent professionalism....... Ok, I'll get my coat....

Forum chimp for you, or Clown please don’t go anywhere, your hilarious lol

 

[Spoon]

How about "Qualified Electrician" or "In The Trade"

I know the term is loose in terms of what seems a person qualified but if the RMs have been in the trade then it wouldn't hurt to actually point they out, especially as they come here for advise; we point out Trainees afterall so why not actual sparkies?

The problem with that is it can be open to interpretation.
What do you class someone who is a Qualified Electrician? Do they need to have a JIB card?
On the opposite hand nearly anyone can be classed as 'In the Trade'

 

[Spoon]

Forum chimp for you, or Clown please don’t go anywhere, your hilarious lol

I'm after your 'Muppet' title mate...

 

[MDJ]

I'm after your 'Muppet' title mate...

No chance, there’s only one --- and it’s me

 

[James]

i'm not sure about the work involved but here is a suggestion to mull over.
put an agree / disagree check box on each message posted.
keep it anonymous
each message could then have a swing-o-meter type thing showing what the general consensus was on that particular piece of advice.

a banner could be applied to the top 10% or 20% of people when you average the total scores over the last 100 posts or 30 days.

make the banner understandable like
Good quality advice
or something similar?

 

[Dan]

There is something similar to that available.

Where the original poster simply selects the answer they found most helpful, and that one is displayed first to others coming to read the thread.

It's common on developer forums where there are 2 dozen ways of doing the same thing.

 

[Dan]

I think the thing to remember is; a member who's advice is good all the time, earns respect by default and perhaps doesn't need a tag.

And a newbie coming on for the first time will respect those who help them out and treat them with respect.

Somebody 'earning' something on a forum has had its day I think, personally. If I were to start a forum today in 2019, I'd have no post figures showing and no banners or tags. All just content sharing. The odd like.

Not sure if it'd work mind. lol

 

[James]

There is something similar to that available.

Where the original poster simply selects the answer they found most helpful, and that one is displayed first to others coming to read the thread.

It's common on developer forums where there are 2 dozen ways of doing the same thing.

Wow, I didn't know that.

Just out of interest, what % of original posters click that button?

 

[Dan]

Wow, I didn't know that.

Just out of interest, what % of original posters click that button?

Not sure: Newest Questions - https://stackoverflow.com/questions
There's one example.

You need to dig around to find a busy thread. There's a lot of duplicate stuff.

I was on this thread earlier today: The storage engine for the table doesn't support repair. InnoDB or MyISAM? - https://stackoverflow.com/questions/10377334/the-storage-engine-for-the-table-doesnt-support-repair-innodb-or-myisam

The answer had 22 up votes. The OP selected it also.

They don't advertise that as a forum though. It's a "public Q and A". So there's no atmosphere at all. But it's not cliquey that's for sure.

Edit: actually the OP selected the post below the one with 22 up votes. Quite confusing the first time you see it maybe. That seems to have up and down votes. It's not easy to follow but when you're looking for an answer and you end up there, the posts have awesome content - linking to other threads of the same, quoting authors of books, doing calculations etc.

But I can't remember a single persons name who's content I've used.

And I guess that's the difference. I look for the content, not the poster and then go around looking for their posts. That's unnatural.

 

[Deleted account]

My tuppence worth is it should remain. It helps anyone coming onto the site make an informed decision as to whether the replyer knows there stuff and can they trust there replies to be accurate and knowledgable.

I can assume respected members are those that have shown knowledge by giving good advice over the years.

I think it may be a bit of a kick in the teeth to those members who have achieved this status.

There are many very knowledgable peeps on this forum. A lot more knowledgable than me which keeps me interested and I am able to trust any advise they give.

I know who they are, but new members or visitors to site don’t. I don’t see it as a status symbol. It’s a guide to visitors to site.

I would say there are a few on this forum who should be given the respected member status that don’t have it now.

The only reason I can think you would want to remove it is maybe it is believed that a few of those respected members have fallen from grace by giving bad advice or acted in a manor not becoming the ethos of the forum. i Don’t know.

 

[Andy78]

I personally could not care less what titles are thrust upon me. I had about 4 or 5 at one point when the forum changed over recently, and had none when I joined. It doesn't matter to me one bit to wear a badge, but it is nice to know that my involvement in the forum over the years is noted in some way, and I'm sure all respected members would agree.

Some titles have uses. It's obviously important for everyone to know who admin and mods are, and knowing who mentors and trainees helps with responses.

Does respected member or arms member have any relevance ? Not for me to say as I don't know the mechanics of the forum behind the scenes.

Could it matter to new members to know that the info they are being given is coming from a person who has been given official respect for the quality of their advice ? Possibly, but you'd have to ask them.

Does it sound cliquey to new members ? As above, you'd have to ask them.

Does the badge exempt that member from following rules ? Clearly the rules are enforced by staff equally across members as recent events have proved.

And a newbie coming on for the first time will respect those who help them out and treat them with respect.

This is so often not the case, badge or no badge.

 

[Dan]

...those members who have achieved this status.

....and I'm sure all respected members would agree.

Just sounds so cliquey when you read it.

 

[James]

I think it might be useful to have some form of indication for new members as to who is giving regular good advice.
I have not been here for that long and it has taken some time for me to get my head around who is who and how good there advice is.

most new members will have to spend quite some time understanding who gives good advice, often by reading other threads that they may not understand themselves.
but I think it should be fluid, i.e. you don't get awarded a title for life, if over the last ……..period your peers have voted your post as good then a badge for that would be a good indication that the advice lately given is both good and current.

 

[Andy78]

Just sounds so cliquey when you read it.

Is that your personal opinion or the opinion of new members that have reported that to you ? Surely if these improvements are catering for new members and their perception of the site then it's their opinion that counts ?

 

[Dan]

So perhaps a tag name change moreso than removal....?

 

[Dan]

Is that your personal opinion or the opinion of new members that have reported that to you ? Surely if these improvements are catering for new members and their perception of the site then it's their opinion that counts ?

I'm only asking.

My opinion is it's cliquey. And assumes some sort of lack of respect for those who don't have it. Which it does really, that's not just my opinion. It's the name of it that does that.

Newer members haven't had the chance to learn who is who. Those who reported threads to me simply say things like 'your forum dosn't work it's too abusive remove my threads' and feel stupid. I don't reply. I just remove their accounts and delete their intro's.

 

[westward10]

I don't think the tags should be removed personally, you could argue a new member will have the biggest problem understanding what the Electricians Arms is.

 

[Dan]

You're right there mate.

Hence my earlier comment. "I'd have no tags at all if I started again".

Though at least everybody can earn that one, and it's equally fair. And you're not rated in by your peers. It's just a case of contributing X posts and showing you're a business. (Assuming that's still the case on this forum).

I'm just wondering what we're valuing over here. And whether it's fair for all. As it doesn't seem it to me being an outsider.

 

[James]

there are 5 options I can see.

1. rated by your customers (Original Poster)
2. rated by your peers
3. rated by the moderators/staff
4. a combination of above
5. not rated at all

I wonder if this may be a poll worth posting?
I understand this is not a democracy, but it might help the staff to get an idea of what people are looking for.

 

[Silly Sausage]

I always thought that 'respected' and 'scouser' were rather contradictory

 

[Dan]

there are 5 options I can see.

1. rated by your customers (Original Poster)
2. rated by your peers
3. rated by the moderators/staff
4. a combination of above
5. not rated at all

I wonder if this may be a poll worth posting?
I understand this is not a democracy, but it might help the staff to get an idea of what people are looking for.

Nice. Post it see what happens?

 

[Deleted account]

What is the electricians arms?

 

[Baddegg]

I’ve been on loads of different sites for all sorts of trades over the years and have settled on this one in its previous format as my favourite, not saying I don’t like the present format, it has a great mix of knowledge and banter which only improves the more you get involved, I like the badges titles etc and think the site works just fine, I’ll agree there are some people who are a little aggressive in some posts but that’s life......maybe new posters should only be exposed to members proven to help in a positive manner?

 

[James]

I’ve been on loads of different sites for all sorts of trades over the years and have settled on this one in its previous format as my favourite, not saying I don’t like the present format, it has a great mix of knowledge and banter which only improves the more you get involved, I like the badges titles etc and think the site works just fine, I’ll agree there are some people who are a little aggressive in some posts but that’s life......maybe new posters should only be exposed to members proven to help in a positive manner?

I love the idea but think it might be hard to implicate.

 

[Baddegg]

I love the idea but think it might be hard to implicate.

I’m sure @Dan could make it happen, solves everything in my eyes, new/1 question posters who probably ain’t used to building site etiquette are safe n sound and the regulars continue in our blissful haze ..........

FREE THE @telectrix ONE!....

Always given me sound advice without being aggressive

Edit.....especially if you lucky enough to catch him sober

 

[James]

can someone who is better than me ( one of many ) please post a link to my poll on this thread.
PLEASE xx

 

[The Ghost]

I see this principally as an electricians forum for ....electricians. While it may say in the blurb advice forum it is not. For two reasons; 1. those wishing to advise can only go so far and we are stuck at invariably "get an electrician"
2. Suspicion on motives of OP and cynicism often result in upset OPs'. The main body is electricians talking with other electricians. Of course on your part @Dan it would never do to keep it just electricians as the forum membership would be too small for you to attract sponsors I guess. So you have to entice in a wider audience. So you have electricians who are not necessarily diplomats and saints just ordinary tradesmen sometimes behaving in an unpleasant manner. I don't think there is any way to regulate that dynamic as sure you can auto ban, but like the hydras head ten more will appear to replace the nasty ones.
Perhaps you could have it set up so that if people downvote or put a strike against an answer 5 (10??) times the post auto disappears, along with your auto ban then the poster would disappear? This would releive your moderators and allow a natural justice to prevail??? Pertinent to which I have had posts removed not for being rude but too much information. So if I did that three times do I get an auto ban?

 

[westward10]

To see the poll James has set up follow this link.

Forum Ratings your thoughts please

if there was to be any sort of indication on your profile or posts as to how good your recent advice had been, how would you like it to be decided.

www.electriciansforums.net